Greetings!
If you'd like to volunteer on the 2017 Spring Bottom Trawl Survey aboard NOAA Ship, Henry B. Bigelow, your help would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers are a very important part of our program and each season we offer berthing on a cruise leg when space is available. I hope you'll be able to participate!
We need the help of every scientist and volunteer who sails. You do not need to be a scientist to volunteer, but a background in marine science or sea experience is helpful. It is critical that you have a willingness to work hard alongside our scientists and are serious about making the commitment. Please be aware that we work twelve-hour shifts, which means that you may be standing on your feet for twelve hours.
The information below explains how to sign up for a cruise. If there is an emergency, or you anticipate that you will not be able to participate on a cruise that you are scheduled for, please contact me immediately. The required forms may be downloaded from the Ecosystems Surveys Branch website in theforms linkof the Cruise Volunteer Information section.
Helpful information for new participants on what to expect at sea and what to bring on the survey can be foundhere.
Three easy steps toward volunteering on a survey!
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
1. Submit a volunteer questionnairewith the dates you are available to participate. If space is available, you will receive confirmation to participate on a cruise. The Volunteer Questionnaire must be sent to:
Fax: 508-495-2115
Katherine Sowers
National Marine Fisheries Service
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
2. Wait to hear confirmationthat you have been scheduled. Confirmations are sent as early as possible and not later than three weeks prior to departure. If we are not able to find berthing for you, you will have the option of being placed on standby status to fill in if there is a cancellation.
3. Submit a medical formthat lists all medical conditions to the Health Services Office once you receive confirmation that you are scheduled for a cruise. Please list NOAA ShipHenry B. Bigelowas your project ship.
As noted on the health form,you must have a negative TB test(taken within the last 12 months). Additionally, you must have a current Tetanus shot (received within the last 10 years). If either is out of date, you will need to obtain them at your expense. If you have a new TB test or Tetanus shot scheduled, please note the date on your medical form, rather than leaving it blank. Medical clearance must be completed and confirmed two weeks prior to the scheduled departure date. Please contact the Health Services Office for the status of your medical clearance.
NOAA Health Services Office
Phone:757-441-6320
FAX:757-441-3760
E-mail:
2017 Spring Cruise Schedule
Spring Bottom Trawl Survey - NOAA ShipHenry B. Bigelow
Please note that the identified regions are where we anticipate to sample: environmental or mechanical problems may force us to change the area of operation.
Leg 1: March 6 - 23
(18 days at sea)
Ports:(depart/arrive Newport, RI)
Area: Cape May – Cape Hatteras
Leg 2: March 28 - April 7
(11 days at sea)
Ports:(depart/arrive Newport, RI)
Mid-Atlantic - S New England
Leg 3: April 11 - 28
(18 days at sea)
Ports: (depart Newport, RI/arrive Woods Hole, MA)
Georges Bank - Gulf of Maine
Leg 4: May 2 - 14
(13 days at sea)
Ports: (depart Woods Hole, MA/arrive Newport, RI)
Georges Bank - Gulf of Maine
--
Katherine Sowers
Cruise Staffing Coordinator
Ecosystems Surveys Branch
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543
508-495-2342
fax: 508-495-2115
www.nmfs.noaa.gov